Won't Idle cold

[M1966]

I have an 89 Kawasaki ZX7. Any ideas for curing a cold-blooded bike?
Won't idle without full choke at ALL until well into operating temp. Bike was incorrectly stored for a couple of years, needed tons of work. Removed carbs, cleaned everything thoroughly. Emptied tank and added fresh fuel, so most likely isn't fuel related. Would experimenting with different thermostats accomplish anything? Maybe just a good system flush? Thanks.

[RGVER]

Sounds like a clogged idle jet

[Ericthejet]

Perhaps the thermo is stuck open?
Have you checked the coolant?

[Kid Thunder]

Do the carbs again, you missed something.

[GixerJockey]

Do the carbs again, you missed something.

But I'll add that you might not have missed something on the first go around. You might have done a fine job cleaning the carbs. And then whatever gunk was in the bottom of the tank, or the fuel lines, flowed through and clogged up your pilot jet again...

Check your tank for rust and sediment.

[Overkill]

I am finding a lot of this lately. I agree to clean the idle jet again. I would run a can of sea foam through it too though. I think this crap gas is leaving carbon on the valves and as a result some of the fuel gets absorbed instead of being available for combution and this makes it harder to start cold and idle poorly when cold.

You can get sea foam at any auto parts store. It had made a big difference for me in the past when I know the carbs are clean but the bike is still acting as you describe. Usually takes two full tanks of gas with 1/2 can of sea foam in each tank of gas.

[vintage ex race]

Do the carbs again, you missed something.

I agree redo carbs

[TLRMan]

Yup, do it again, and pay close attention to the pilot jets...
I'm in Beverly, and If you still are in a bind, let me know.
I'm pretty good when it comes to fuel systems. Just ask anyone here.